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BackgroundFew studies have examined whether objective or subjective economic status (ES) has a greater effect on the happiness of older adults in developing countries with ageing populations. This study examined whether objective/subjective economic status (ES) is associated with happiness in older adults in Myanmar.MethodA multistage, random sampling procedure and face-to-face interviews were conducted in urban and rural areas in Myanmar. The happiness of 1,200 participants aged 60+ was evaluated using a single happiness score of 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). The wealth index, used as an objective economic indicator, was calculated from household asset items. Subjective economic status was assessed by asking “Which of the following best describes your current financial situation in light of general economic conditions?” The possible responses ranged from (1) very difficult to (5) very comfortable. ResultsThe mean happiness score was lower among participants with low objective and subjective ES than among those with medium or high objective ES (6.24 versus 6.80 points, p < 0.001) and average or higher subjective ES (5.62 versus 6.83 points, p < 0.001), respectively. Both low objective and subjective ES were negatively associated with happiness after adjusting for confounding variables (B: -0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.69, -0.13 and B: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.42, respectively) and stratification by region (low objective ES, urban: B: -0.52, 95% CI: -1.03, -0.02; low subjective ES, urban: B: -0.50, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.03; low objective ES, rural: B: -0.37, 95% CI: -0.73, -0.02; and low subjective ES, rural: B: -0.80, 95% CI: -1.18, -0.41). ConclusionsIn Myanmar, both objective and subjective ES might influence happiness among older adults. Although they had a similar impact on happiness in urban areas, subjective ES had a stronger impact in rural areas. Interventions for promoting happiness in older adults should consider differences in how objective/subjective ES impacts happiness in different regions, and focus should be placed not only on improving objective ES but also subjective ES in society. |
